A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Dresden for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Grindelwald or Dresden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a high adrenaline, breathtaking, and beautiful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Dresden

Dresden is a park-filled, friendly, and architectural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Dresden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden. Although Grindelwald and Dresden are popular destinations, Dresden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dresden is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Grindelwald attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is famous for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Dresden is famous for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). It is also well known for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace.

How is Grindelwald different from Dresden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dresden and Grindelwald. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Dresden is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Dresden is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Grindelwald or Dresden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Grindelwald and Dresden both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Grindelwald area. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Nightlife?

Dresden is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Dresden is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

If you're looking for night time activities Grindelwald has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dresden is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Dresden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Dresden is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Dresden to go shopping. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Families?

Grindelwald is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Couples?

Grindelwald is a great destination for couples. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Dresden is a nice destination for couples. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grindelwald is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Dresden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Grindelwald and Dresden.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Grindelwald or Dresden a more walkable city?

Dresden is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

For even more information, also check out Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? and Is Dresden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dresden or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grindelwald and Dresden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dresden than in Grindelwald. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Grindelwald, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dresden.

Families should spend more time in Grindelwald than Dresden. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Grindelwald, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Grindelwald than Dresden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Grindelwald that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Dresden if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Grindelwald.

One day in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Grindelwald is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled city of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grindelwald has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Dresden. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Dresden?

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The park-filled city of Dresden offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Grindelwald or Dresden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Since Grindelwald is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dresden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Dresden, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Dresden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dresden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dresden and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald than you might in Dresden.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grindelwald Expensive? and Is Dresden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Dresden, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Grindelwald or Dresden?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Dresden. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Grindelwald during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

In the autumn, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grindelwald in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Dresden. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. In January, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 5°C (41°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Dresden. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Dresden. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Dresden in the spring for the activities around the city.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the spring. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Dresden. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dresden and Grindelwald